Stena Forth drillship to move to Ghana after Guyana drilling conclusion

Offshore drilling firm Stena Drilling has signed a rig contract with Ghana’s Springfield Energy. Springfield Energy has hired the Stena Forth drillship.

The drillship is currently on a contract with Tullow Oil in Guyana, where it has this week spudded the Joe-1 well, a fortnight after it had made an oil discovery at the Jethro-1 well in the Orinduik block.

The Ghanaian oil and gas firm said the rig deal has set the company on course to make history by becoming the first independent African Energy company to drill in deep water.

Springfield will use the Stena Forth rig to drill at the West Cape Three Points Block 2 (WCTP Block 2) where it is the operator.

Springfield Group’s CEO Kevin Okyere, said: “This is a huge moment for Springfield Group and, I believe, for Ghana. Deepwater drilling has never been carried about by an independent African Energy company and we are incredibly proud to be on the cusp of being the first to do so.”

Springfield Energy said: “The campaign will first target the Oak-1x well on trend with the Beech discovery, made on the Deep Water Tano Cape Three Points block (DWT/CTP) to the south-west of WCTP Block 2. The next well, Afina-1x, will test the Cenomanian oil potential on a similar play fairway to discovered resources to the east of WCTP Block 2. Springfield continues to work to firm up further drilling locations on the highly prospective WCTP Block 2.”

Erik Ronsberg, Chief Executive Officer of Stena Drilling said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have signed a contract with Springfield Exploration & Production Ltd. and very grateful for SEP’s confidence in our company. We have worked in Ghana for several years now, building our Ghanaian crew complement on Stena Forth to over 50%, so thrilled to be playing a part in Ghana’s exciting future together with an inspiring company like Springfield.”

While Springfield did not share the terms of the rig contract, Bassoe has estimated the Stena Forth would start its two-month Ghana contract on September 30, at a dayrate of $175,000.

Offshore Energy Today Staff

Spotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email.

Also, if you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today, please contact us via our advertising form where you can also see our media kit.